The Philippines’ first-ever hybrid electric trains to start operation on May 6

We’re sure you all agree that commuting in Metro Manila can be stressful! Especially during rush hour, when everybody competes with everyone else for a ride to the office or toward home.

This is one of the reasons why the Philippine government is continuously coming up with ways to improve the country’s mass transport system. In fact, just last Wednesday, April 24, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced the upcoming launch of the country’s first ever Filipino-made Hybrid Electric Train (HET).

The HETs, developed by Filipino engineers and technicians from DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), are fully air-conditioned trains that are designed to run between the Philippine National Railway (PNR) stations in Alabang and Calamba, Laguna.

You’ll be happy to hear that the HETs are a huge upgrade from the current PNR trains. These brand-new trains boast CCTV systems, LED TV setups, and automatic sliding doors. Each train also has five coaches that can accommodate around 900 passengers at a time.

But wait, there’s more! According to Engr. Pablo Acuin, DOST-MIRDC Hybrid Electric Train Project Head, the HETs are designed to be environmentally friendly. Confirming that the trains are power-generated, Engr. Acuin says that the HETs need less fuel consumption compared to regular PNR trains. “We have a generator which consumes less fuel, using electricity-generated power source that also emits less carbon into the air and thus it is environment-friendly,” he said.

With the HETs scheduled to begin operations on Monday, May 6, commuters coming to and from the Southern part of Luzon will be given a better option to travel to and from Manila. While official fares are yet to be announced, reports say that the rates will still be as cheap and affordable as the current price for PNR’s services.